Transaction recording system

ABSTRACT

A transaction recording system for use in recording a transaction occurring at a point-of-sale. The system includes a video capture device having a field of vision. The video capture device captures, produces and transmits video data signals representative of the field of vision of the device, and the video capture device is positioned within an enclosure at a desired position at the point-of-sale. The system includes a point-of-sale processing system located at or near the point-of-sale for receiving, processing, storing and/or transmitting video data signals. The field of vision of the video capture device views at least a portion of the point-of-sale during at least a portion of the transaction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/129,583, filed May 13, 2005, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 60/571,475, filed May 14, 2004, both ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to integrated data managementsystems and recording systems positioned at a point-of-sale (“POS”) orpoint-of-transaction and, in particular, to a POS transaction recordingsystem including an assembly for positioning a camera security systemon, near or within an item or object positioned at the POS.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is a need in the art for a more dependable method of recording allpossible transactions and interactions between parties. Presently, inthe art, most cameras are mounted in ceilings, and the video is recordedin a separate location away from the POS system. The POS system thenrecords the transaction information from the register to a separatesystem. Finally, the two systems are then merged together in yet anotherprocess called video or text overlay.

Such systems are known in the art, but have several drawbacks thatresult from these current processes. First, due to positioning of thecamera almost directly above the POS, there are often obstacles in theintended line of sight. Further, this steep angle does not provide theoptimal view of the subjects. As a result, multiple cameras are requiredto ensure that all aspects of the transaction have been recorded. In theprior art, there are some systems that place their cameras moreeffectively, but the cameras are in plain sight, which in turn createstwo problems: 1) the customers often feel very uncomfortable; and 2) ifthe customer/cashier knows where the camera is located, they canposition themselves in a way that will prevent the camera from viewingits intended line of sight.

Another drawback and limitation of the prior art is the integration ofthe transaction information and the video away from the POS. This remoteintegration process requires the user to run a large number of cables,often very long distances, in order to reach the Digital Video Recorder(DVR). Such cabling can be very expensive and it tends to lose picturequality at long distances. The other problem with having aremotely-positioned DVR is that some of the people being monitored haveaccess to areas where the DVR is stored and POS information is reviewed(e.g. cash office and computer room). These rooms are left unsupervisedfar more often than a cash register.

Yet another drawback in limitation of the prior art is in the field ofgambling or other games of chance, where the customers and/or dealersare often monitored for cheating or other irregular behavior.Accordingly, the POS would be the gambling table, slot machine, etc. ina casino or the like. Presently, an overhead camera is positioned on theceiling of the establishment and often referred to as the “eye in thesky”. While this camera is effective in monitoring a large majority ofthe tables under playing conditions, it has limited angles of view andother functionality due to its central and immobile location withrespect to any specific area of the casino.

Such security systems are also used in connection with banks, financialinstitutions, casinos, etc., where the POS is either at the employee'sdesk or at the teller station. Again, as discussed above, when asecurity camera is positioned on the ceiling (as is known in the art),such location creates a steep viewing angle, which makes it difficult toobtain a clear picture of the subject's face. In addition, if the targetsubject is wearing a hat, e.g., a ball cap, their face may be completelyshielded, rendering the security system almost useless. Some systems mayposition a camera on a wall behind the teller, which leads to additionaldrawbacks. Often, many different objects are blocking the camera'sline-of-sight, and even the teller him- or herself creates an obstacleto the camera's line-of-sight. Still further, many banks, financialinstitutions and casinos include bulletproof glass between the tellerand customer, which creates glare, again making it difficult to view thesubject.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide atransaction recording system that overcomes the deficiencies of theprior art. It is another object of the present invention to provide atransaction recording system that includes a video camera effectivelypositioned to view a desired scene of a transaction, such as a checkoutlane in a supermarket, a teller or office area in a bank, a casinosetting, etc. It is a further object of the present invention to providea transaction recording system that has an enclosure that obscures thevideo camera from the consumer. It is a still further object of thepresent invention to provide a transaction recording system having anenclosure that is capable of being retrofitted on existing lane markersand other transaction or point-of-sale equipment. It is a still furtherobject of the present invention to provide a transaction recordingsystem that effects various video integration and storage processes atthe point-of-sale. It is yet another object of the present invention toprovide a transaction recording system that conceals a camera in avariety of preexisting or well-known items and objects.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a transactionrecording system for use in recording a transaction occurring at apoint-of-sale. The system includes a video capture device having a fieldof vision, and this device captures, produces and transmits video datasignals representative of the field of vision of the device. Further,the video capture device is at least partially positioned within anenclosure located in a desired position with respect to thepoint-of-sale. The system also includes a point-of-sale processingsystem located at or near the point-of-sale, and this point-of-saleprocessing system: (i) receives video data signals; (ii) processes videodata signals; (iii) stores video data signals; (iv) transmits video datasignals, or any combination thereof. The field of vision of the videocapture device views at least a portion of the point-of-sale during atleast a portion of the transaction.

The present invention is further directed to a transaction recordingsystem for use in recording a transaction occurring at a point-of-sale.The system includes multiple video capture devices, each having arespective field of vision and configured or adapted to capture, produceand transmit video data signals representative of the field of vision ofthe device. Each video capture device is at least partially positionedwithin an enclosure located in a desired position with respect to arespective point-of-sale. The system also includes multiple videocapture systems, each in communication with a respective video capturedevice and located at or near the respective point-of-sale. Each videocapture system: (i) receives video data signals from the respectivevideo capture device; (ii) processes video data signals from therespective video capture device; (iii) stores video data signals fromthe respective video capture device; (iv) transmits video data signalsfrom the respective video capture device, or any combination thereof. Apoint-of-sale central processing system is in communication with thevideo capture systems and is located at or near a point-of-sale. Inaddition, the central processing system is configured or adapted to: (i)receive video data signals from the video capture systems; (ii) processvideo data signals from the video capture systems; (iii) store videodata signals from the video capture systems; (iv) transmit video datasignals from the video capture systems, or any combination thereof. Thefield of vision of each video capture device views at least a portion ofthe respective point-of-sale during at least a portion of thetransaction.

In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a transactionrecording system for use in recording a transaction occurring at atransaction point. The system includes a video capture device having afield of vision and configured to capture, produce and transmit videodata signals representative of the field of vision of the device. Thevideo capture device is positioned at least partially within an objectlocated in a desired position with respect to the transaction point. Thesystem also includes a processing system configured to: (i) receivevideo data signals; (ii) process video data signals; (iii) store videodata signals; (iv) transmit video data signals, or any combinationthereof. The field of vision of the video capture device views at leasta portion of the transaction point during at least a portion of thetransaction.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structures and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective and cutaway view of one embodiment of atransaction recording system at a point-of-sale according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective, cutaway and schematic view of the transactionrecording system and point-of-sale of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transaction recording system andpoint-of-sale of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective and cutaway view of one embodiment of atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective and cutaway view of a further embodiment of atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a transactionrecording system according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a front and rear perspective view of a further embodiment of atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rack display according to the priorart;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a transactionrecording system according to the principles of the present inventionused in connection with the rack display of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a set of perspective and cutaway views of another embodimentof a transaction recording system according to the principles of thepresent invention used in connection with the rack display of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a set of perspective and cutaway views of a furtherembodiment of a transaction recording system according to the principlesof the present invention used in connection with the rack display ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective and cutaway view of a further embodiment of atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a front and rear perspective view of another embodiment of atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic view of one embodiment of a transaction recordingsystem according to the principles of the present invention at multiplepoints-of-sale;

FIG. 16 is a perspective and cutaway view of another embodiment of atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention at multiple points-of-sale;

FIG. 17 is a perspective, cutaway and schematic view of the transactionrecording system and points-of-sale of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a front view of a first embodiment of an enclosure in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention, and in use in connection with a lane marker;

FIG. 19 is a rear view of the enclosure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a first side view of the enclosure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 21 is a second side view of the enclosure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 22 is a top view of the enclosure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 23 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 25 is a further perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 18;

FIG. 26 is a front view of a second embodiment of an enclosure in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention, and in use in connection with a lane marker;

FIG. 27 is a rear view of the enclosure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 is a first side view of the enclosure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a second side view of the enclosure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the enclosure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 33 is a further perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 26;

FIG. 34 is a front view of a third embodiment of an enclosure in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention, and in use in connection with a lane marker;

FIG. 35 is a rear view of the enclosure of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a first side view of the enclosure of FIG. 34;

FIG. 37 is a second side view of the enclosure of FIG. 34;

FIG. 38 is a top view of the enclosure of FIG. 34;

FIG. 39 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 34;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 34;

FIG. 41 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of an enclosure in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention, and in use in connection with a lane marker;

FIG. 42 is a rear view of the enclosure of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a first side view of the enclosure of FIG. 41;

FIG. 44 is a second side view of the enclosure of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a top view of the enclosure of FIG. 41;

FIG. 46 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 41;

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 41;

FIG. 48 is a front view of a fifth embodiment of an enclosure in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention, and in use in connection with a lane marker;

FIG. 49 is a rear view of the enclosure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a first side view of the enclosure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 51 is a second side view of the enclosure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 52 is a top view of the enclosure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 53 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 55 is a further perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 48;

FIG. 56 is a front view of a sixth embodiment of an enclosure in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 57 is a rear view of the enclosure of FIG. 56;

FIG. 58 is a first side view of the enclosure of FIG. 56;

FIG. 59 is a second side view of the enclosure of FIG. 56;

FIG. 60 is a top view of the enclosure of FIG. 56;

FIG. 61 is a bottom view of the enclosure of FIG. 56;

FIG. 62 is a perspective view of the enclosure of FIG. 56;

FIG. 63 is a schematic view of a transaction recording system accordingto the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 64 is various views of an object, in the form of a penholder, in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 65 is various views of an object, in the form of a penholder, in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 66 is various views of an object, in the form of a penholder, in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 67 is various views of an object, in the form of a nameplate, in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 68 is various views of an object, in the form of a nameplate, in atransaction recording system according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 69 is various views of an object, in the form of a teller stationmarker, in a transaction recording system according to the principles ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 70 is various views of an object, in the form of a teller stationmarker, in a transaction recording system according to the principles ofthe present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a transaction recording system 10,as shown in various embodiments in FIGS. 1-17, and this transactionrecording system 10 is specifically configured or adapted to be used inconnection with recording a transaction occurring at a point-of-sale(POS) 100, as shown in various embodiments in FIGS. 1-3 and 15-17. ThePOS 100 can be located at any area where a person or customer is engagedin a transaction, such as the purchasing of goods or services, thetransaction or interaction between two people, a gambling table, orother similar transactional location. For example, the POS 100 can belocated at a supermarket, retail store, transportation terminal, casino,entertainment area, etc. The transaction recording system 10 of thepresent invention is particularly useful in a supermarket setting, wherethe POS 100 is a checkout lane 102. Further, the transaction recordingsystem 10 of the present invention is also useful in connection with acasino setting, where the POS 100 is any individual or group ofindividual gambling tables, slot machines, games-of-chance, etc.

According to the prior art, a checkout lane 102 typically includes alane marker 104 having a marker enclosure 106 mounted to a pole 108. Asis known in the art, the marker enclosure 106 typically houses a light110, such that the marker enclosure 106 is illuminated and clearlyvisible by the customers. Further, through the use of the light 1 10,the marker enclosure 106 will indicate whether the checkout lane 102 is“open” or “closed”.

Another structure that is typically located at a checkout lane 102 is arack display 112, which offers various goods to the customer for perusalwhile he or she is waiting in line to move through the checkout lane102. Further, each checkout lane 102 includes a cash register 114, aswell as a product collection area 116, where the customer places his orher items, a product scanning area 118, where the employee scans theitems and a product bagging area 120, where the scanned items collectand are placed into bags by another employee.

While a checkout lane 102, as typically embodied in a supermarket hasbeen discussed above, it is envisioned that the transaction recordingsystem 10 of the present invention can be used in connection with anyPOS 100. It is the purpose of the transaction recording system 10 torecord various areas, persons and other objects at the POS 100 before,during and after a transaction has occurred.

With reference to the present invention, and as best seen in FIGS. 1-3,the transaction recording system 10 includes a video capture device 12,and this video capture device 12 includes a field of vision 14. Further,the video capture device 12 is capable of capturing, producing and/ortransmitting video data signals that are representative of the field ofvision 14 of the video capture device 12. Still further, the videocapture device 12 is at least partially positioned within an enclosure16. The enclosure 16 is located in a desired position with respect tothe POS 100.

The transaction recording system 10 also includes a point-of-sale (POS)processing system 18. The POS processing system 18 is located at or nearthe POS 100, and the processing system 18 is capable of receiving thevideo data signals, processing the video data signals, storing the videodata signals and/or transmitting the video data signals. In addition,the field of vision 14 of the video capture device 12 views at least aportion of the POS 100 during at least a portion of the transaction.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the video capture device 12 is mountedor otherwise located within the marker enclosure 106, which may act asthe enclosure 16 or in conjunction with a separate and distinctenclosure (as shown in FIGS. 18-55). Specifically, the video capturedevice 12 is a camera 20 that is positioned within the marker enclosure106 of the lane marker 104, and is therefore mounted at a high angle ona pole 108 and with respect to the POS 100. Such positioning maximizesthe field of vision 14 and provides appropriate visual coverage ofvirtually the entire POS 100, such as the checkout lane 102. Inparticular, the camera 20, and the field of vision 14 of the camera 20,is able to view the cash register 114, the product collection area 116,the product scanning area 118, the product bagging area 120, as well asthe employees (not shown), such as the cashier, bagger, etc., and thecustomer (not shown). When the transaction recording system 10 is usedin connection with a POS 100 in a casino or similar establishment, thefield of vision 14 of the camera 20 or video capture device 12 includesa specified area, a table, a gambling table, an employee, a dealer, acustomer, an observer, a gambling area, a slot machine, or anycombination thereof.

Also, in this embodiment, the POS processing system 18 includes apoint-of-sale (POS) data converter 22, and a point-of-sale (POS) centralprocessing unit 24. Accordingly, in this embodiment, and as best seen inschematic form in FIG. 2, the POS central processing unit 24 receivesthe video data signals from the video capture device 12. The POS dataconverter 22 is in communication with and receives data from the cashregister 114. The POS data converter 22 processes and otherwise convertsthis data to a usable and digital format, and subsequently transmitsthis data to the POS central processing unit 24.

As discussed above, the POS processing system 18, and in one embodimentthe POS data converter 22, is capable of receiving, processing,generating and/or transmitting point-of-sale (POS) data from variousportions of the POS 100 and converting this data to a usable format bythe POS processing system 18, such as the POS central processing unit24.

While FIG. 2 shows the POS data converter 22 in communication with acash register 114, this POS data converter 22 and/or the POS centralprocessing unit 24 may be in communication with a variety of systems andsubsystems in order to collect important and pertinent POS data before,during and after the transaction. Accordingly, the POS processing system18 may collect any POS data, including, e.g., transaction time,transaction date, transaction location, transaction data, point-of-salelocation, employee data, employer data, customer data, goods data, itemdata, identification data, register data, employee/customer interactiondata, installation data, etc. Specifically, the POS processing system 18can collect any amount of data that can be used in connection with thevideo data signal received from the video capture device 12 to provide acomplete picture and recording of the entire transaction, as well aseach action and interaction taking place during the transaction.

It is also envisioned that the POS processing system 18 is configured toor otherwise includes the appropriate software to integrate the videodata signals received from the video capture device 12 and the POS 100data into an integrated, overlay data signal. For example, in the aboveembodiment, the POS central processing unit 24 receives the video datasignals from the video capture device 12. Further, the POS dataconverter 22 receives raw data from the cash register 114, and convertsthis raw data into appropriate and digitized POS data, which is thentransmitted to the POS central processing unit 24. Finally, the POScentral processing unit 24 integrates the data signals, such as bytextual overlay and other integration techniques that are known in theart.

In some instances, it may not be beneficial or secure to store orotherwise save the video data signals, the POS data, and/or theintegrated data signals and information at the POS processing system 18,such as on the POS central processing unit 24. Accordingly, theintegrated data signal, and/or any of the other data signals orinformation can be transmitted to a central storage and processingsystem 26. Accordingly, the central storage and processing system 26could be positioned in a secured location away from the POS 100, such asin the manager's office or some other secured location or vault. Stillfurther, the data could be wirelessly transmitted offsite to some othersecure location.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the video capture device 12 (not shown), such asthe camera 20 (not shown), is not visually noticeable by the customerand/or employee when the video capture device 12 is placed in theenclosure 16, whether the marker enclosure 106 itself or positionedwithin or attached to the marker enclosure 106. Therefore, the customerand the employee merely see the checkout lane 102 in its normal settingwith the lane marker 104. This allows appropriate surveillance of thePOS 100, including all of the individuals engaged in the transaction.While shown positioned on or within, or as part of, the lane marker 104in FIGS. 1-3, the enclosure 16 may be positioned adjacent, on, within orotherwise integrated with various parts and portions of the POS 100, asdiscussed in detail in connection with various embodiments hereinafter.For example, the enclosure 16 may be positioned adjacent, on, within orintegrated with the lane marker 104, a check stand light, a checkoutlane sign, a rack display 112, a cash register 114, a dome, an elevatedenclosure 16, etc. While not necessary, it is often desirable to placethe enclosure 16, and thus the video capture device 12, at an elevatedposition with respect to at least a portion of the POS 100.

Further, the enclosure 16 may take any shape or size, and may bemanufactured from a variety of materials. Also, the enclosure 16 mayinclude brackets or other means for engaging the video capture device12. For example, a pair of hinged brackets may be attached to the videocapture device 12, thus allowing adjustment thereof. The video capturedevice 12 may be rotatable, movable, or even automatically controlled,as discussed hereinafter.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, multiple video capture devices 12,or cameras 20, can be positioned within the marker enclosure 106, actingas the enclosure 16. In order to obtain an unobstructed field of vision14, the enclosure 16 must include some surface 28 that is at leastpartially transparent, or some opening 30 that allows the camera 20 tohave an appropriate field of vision 14 and collect and produce usefulvideo data signals. In this manner, the video capture device 12 iscapable of capturing the video data signals when the field of vision 14is directed through the surface 28 or opening 30.

As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the cameras 20 and theirrespective fields of vision 14 are directed down through an opening 30,and in this case one or more of the openings 30 of a grate 32. However,as opposed to a grate 32, the one or more openings 30 can be in the formof a vent, a crack, an orifice, etc., as long as the video capturedevice 12 has an appropriate field of vision 14 that allows the captureand production of video data signals that are useful in recording thetransaction at the POS 100.

Also as seen in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the cameras 20 are positionedadjacent the pole 108, which extends through the marker enclosure 106and terminates in a fixture for the light 10. In the embodiment of FIG.5, only a single camera 20 is used and the field of vision 14 of thevideo capture device 12 is directed through the grate 32, which includesa plurality of openings 30.

With reference to FIG. 6, the enclosure 16 is mounted on the pole 108,and the marker enclosure 106 is attached to or otherwise placed upon aportion of the enclosure 16. In particular, in this embodiment, theenclosure 16 is a semicircular enclosure 34. Further, a semi-transparentsurface 28, which is at least partially transparent, allows the videocapture device 12 to direct the field of vision 14 at the POS 100. It isenvisioned that this surface 28 can be clear plastic, tinted plastic,clear glass, tinted glass, etc.

Another embodiment of the transaction recording system 10 is illustratedin FIG. 7. In this embodiment, multiple cameras 20 are positioned withinan enclosure 16 that is attached to or otherwise integrated with themarker enclosure 106. Specifically, the cameras 20 are placed in a boxenclosure 36, and the box enclosure 36 includes a grate 32, throughwhich the cameras 20 direct their respective fields of vision 14. Ofcourse, the openings 30 and the grate 32 are illustrated as being muchlarger than they normally are in order to fully illustrate theinvention. However, in practice, the openings 30 of the grate 32 aremuch smaller, such that the customer and/or employee could not visuallynotice the cameras 20.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, two semicircular enclosures 34 are attachedto the bottom of the marker enclosure 106. Each of these semicircularenclosures 34 house a respective camera 20, and it is envisioned thateach of the cameras 20 directs its respective field of vision 14 atvarious portions of the POS 100. While, as discussed above, thesemicircular enclosure 34 may include a surface 28, such as a tintedglass or smoked glass, the enclosures 34 may also simply include anopening 30 large enough to allow an unobstructed or partially obstructedfield of vision 14 of the camera 20. Importantly, the video capturedevice 12 only needs to capture and process an appropriate amount ofvideo data signals to identify the actions and interactions occurring atthe POS 100.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate various embodiments that can be used in connectionwith a rack display 112. An unmodified rack display is illustrated inFIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the semicircular enclosure 34 is placed ona surface of the rack display 112 and operates as discussed above. Insome instances, the location of the rack display 112 makes the surfacesof the rack display 112 optimal for viewing various areas of the POS100, such as immediately in front of the product collection area 116,product scanning area 118 and/or product bagging area 120. In addition,such a location on the rack display 112 allows the video capture device12 to monitor customer interactions with the rack display 112.

In another embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 11, the video capturedevice 12 can be mounted within a portion of the rack display 112, suchas a compartment 122. Accordingly, the compartment 122 acts as theenclosure 16 that partially obscures or hides the video capture device12. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, a grate 32 is positioned on thecompartment 122, such that the video capture device 12, or camera 20,can direct the field of vision 14 to the appropriate area at the POS100.

In another embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 12, a box enclosure 36can be mounted on or otherwise integrated with the rack display 112. Asdiscussed above, the video capture device 12, such as the camera 20, isplaced within the box enclosure 36, and the field of vision 14 of thevideo capture device 12 is directed through a grate 32 to theappropriate area of the POS 100. It is further envisioned that the boxenclosure 36 be integrated with or otherwise appropriately blend withthe environment of the rack display 112, so as not to draw attention tothe video capture device 12. For example, the box enclosure 36 could beused for advertising or product display.

It is further envisioned that the field of vision 14 of the videocapture device 12 can be angled, movable, user-selectable, etc. Forexample, during installation, the video capture device 12 can beappropriately adjusted and angled (such as by the above-discussedbrackets) to maximize the field of vision 14 of the POS 100. It is alsoenvisioned that the POS processing system 18 or some other processingsystem may be capable of controlling the angle and other features,characteristics and functions of the video capture device 12 from aremote location. In this manner, the field of vision 14, as well asother characteristics of the video capture device 12 can be adjusted anduser-selectable.

As discussed above, the enclosure 16, and thus the video capture device12, may be mounted on the pole 108 adjacent the POS 100. Therefore, thevideo capture device 12 can be powered, controlled, operated, etc.through one or more wires extending through an inner area of the pole108. In addition, the communication between the video capture device 12and the POS processing system 18 can also be through wires that extendthrough the pole 108.

Any number of video capture devices 12 are envisioned. For example, thevideo capture device 12 may be a camera, a video camera, a digitalcamera, an analog camera, a miniature camera, a pinhole camera, aprinted circuit board-controlled camera, a networked camera, aclosed-circuit television camera, etc.

As discussed above, the video capture device 12 may be powered from apower supply 38. For example, as seen in FIG. 2, the power supply 38 maybe hardwired and provide power through a wire extending through the pole108 and to the video capture device 12. However, any power supplycapable of powering the video capture device 12 is envisioned. Forexample, the power supply 38 may be an alternating current (AC) powersupply, a direct current (DC) power supply, an AC/DC converter, aSiamese cable, a combined video/power cable, a solar power supply, orany combination thereof. Further, an AC/DC converter 40 can be placed inthe enclosure 16, such as the marker enclosure 106 to performconversion, as is known in the art.

As seen in FIG. 13, the cameras 20 may be powered by a solar powersupply 48. As seen in this embodiment, it is envisioned that the markerenclosure 106 be partially transparent, and together with the light 110,the solar power supplies 48 are capable of obtaining light rays andconverting these to energy or power in order to power the video capturedevices 12. It is also envisioned that the solar power supplies 48 beplaced on a surface outside of the enclosure 16. The solar power supply48 represents only one of the various options of the poweringcapabilities of the present invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment similar to FIG. 7, however, as opposedto using the attached box enclosure 36 of FIG. 7, the marker enclosure106 acts as the enclosure 16. In particular, the marker enclosure 106 isspecifically constructed to appropriately house the video capturedevices 12, such as the camera 20.

The video capture device 12 and the POS processing system 18, such asthe POS data converter 22 and the POS central processing unit 24, cancommunicate in a variety of manners, as is known in the art. Forexample, the communication may be hardwired, through coaxial cabling,through network cabling, through fiber optic cabling, in a wirelessformat, over a wireless network, etc. In addition, the field of vision14 of the video capture device 12 may include a variety of portions ofthe POS 100, such as the checkout lane 102, an employee, a cashier, abagger, a customer, a cash register 114, the product collection area116, the product scanning area 118, the product bagging area 120, aproduct display area, such as the rack display 112, etc.

The present invention is also directed to a transaction recording system10 that includes multiple video capture devices 12, each video capturedevice 12 including a respective field of vision 14. The video capturedevices 12 are arranged and operated as discussed above. In thisembodiment, each of the video capture devices 12 are in communicationwith the POS processing system 18, which again is located at or near thePOS 100. The POS processing system 18 receives, processes, stores and/ortransmits the video data signals from each of the video capture devices12 as discussed above.

In one embodiment, and as illustrated in schematic form in FIG. 15, eachPOS 100 includes a POS data converter 22 in communication with andconfigured to receive POS data from a-respective cash register 114 orPOS 100. In this embodiment, each of the POS data converters 22 are incommunication with and transmit data to the POS central processing unit24, which acts and operates as discussed above.

Also as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15, a central storage andprocessing system 26 is placed remotely from the POS 100 and includes amonitor 42, through which the user can view and otherwise interact withthe integrated data sent from the POS central processing unit 24 to thecentral storage and processing system 26. Still further, this embodimentillustrates wireless communication between the POS central processingunit 24 and the central storage and processing system 26. Specifically,a wireless transmitter 44 is operated by or otherwise in communicationwith the POS central processing unit 24. Further, a wireless receiver 46is operated by or otherwise in communication with the central storageand processing system 26. The wireless transmission, receipt andprocessing of digital data between the various systems and components ofthe present invention occurs as is known in the art. For example,various wireless transmitters 44 can be used to communicate data fromthe video capture devices 12, cameras 20, POS data converter 22, etc.

FIG. 16 illustrates this use of multiple video capture devices 12 inconnection with multiple checkout lanes 102 in, for example, asupermarket. Again, each checkout lane 102 includes a respective videocapture device 12 and POS data converter 22. The POS central processingunit 24 is positioned at only a single POS 100, namely only one of themultiple checkout lanes 102. As seen in FIG. 17, the various videocapture devices 12, POS data converters 22 and POS central processingunit 24 communicate and operate as discussed above. In addition, the POScentral processing unit 24 is in communication with the central storageprocessing system 26.

As discussed above, the enclosure 16 may be formed in a variety ofshapes, sizes and designs. Further, and also as discussed, the enclosure16 may be designed in various ornamental shapes for use in connectionwith the lane marker 104. A first embodiment of an ornamental design ofthe enclosure 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 18-25. A second embodiment ofthe enclosure 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 26-33. A third embodiment ofthe enclosure 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 34-40. A fourth embodiment ofthe enclosure 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 4147. Further, a fifthembodiment of the enclosure 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 48-55, andfinally, a sixth embodiment of the enclosure 16 is illustrated in FIGS.56-62. In the embodiments of FIGS. 18-55, the enclosures 16 areillustrated in use in connection with a variety of styles and structuresof the lane marker 104 and marker enclosure 106. The embodiment of theenclosure in FIGS. 56-62 illustrates the enclosure 16 as mounted to thepole 108. These embodiments illustrate various design options for theenclosure 16.

In one embodiment, the video capture device 12 is a camera 20 that isusing closed-circuit television technology. In addition, the bottomsurface of the enclosure 16 may be angled to provide the camera 20 withthe optimal field of vision 14.

In one embodiment, the light 110 may be mounted directly to theenclosure 16. In another embodiment, the top of the enclosure 16 iscompletely enclosed, such that no light can enter the enclosure 16 fromabove. The only surface where light can enter the enclosure 16 isthrough a small window or surface 28 positioned on the bottom of thecamera enclosure 16. This window may be concealed by a tinted plasticcover.

Also, as discussed above, the transaction recording system 10 of thepresent invention can be useful in connection with or in a casino. Inparticular, many gambling tables and the like include markers withmarker enclosures mounted on a pole. As is known in the art, the markertypically indicates what game the customer is able to engage in at anyparticular table. Accordingly, the transaction recording system 10 isuseful in such a setting since the video capture devices 12 or cameras20 are concealed, and the customers and dealers will not know how often,when or how they are being “watched”. As discussed above in connectionwith the cashier scenario, if the customer or dealer knows where thecamera 20 is positioned, they can also easily position themselves in away that will prevent the camera from viewing its intended field ofvision 14. The transaction recording system 10 of the present inventionprevents this from occurring. Still further, in the casino setting,placing a video capture device 12 in a specified position with respectto multiple tables allows a much more tailored and specific field ofvision 14, as opposed to the broad and less accurate “eye in the sky”view. Specifically, the transaction recording system 10 reducesobstructions in the line-of-sight between the camera 20 and the subject.

In a further embodiment, and as illustrated in schematic form in FIG.63, the transaction recording system 10 is used at a POS 100, in theform of a transaction point 130. In this embodiment, as with thosepreviously discussed, the transaction recording system 10 is configuredfor use in recording a transaction occurring at the transaction point130. Further, this embodiment includes the video capture device 12discussed above. However, in the present embodiment, the video capturedevice 12 is positioned at least partially within an object 132 locatedin a desired position with respect to the transaction point 130. Thefield of vision 14 of the video capture device 12 views at least aportion of the transaction point 130 during at least a portion of thetransaction.

The transaction point data may include transaction time, transactiondate, transaction location, transaction data, transaction pointlocation, employee data, employer data, customer data, monetary data,item data, identification data, teller data, employee/customerinteraction data and/or installation data Further, in the presentembodiment, the video capture device 12 may be positioned on, within orintegrated with a variety of objects 132, e.g., a teller station marker134, an office item, a desk item, a penholder 136, a nameplate 138, aname-bearing object, a moveable object, a sign, a rack display, aregister, a dome, an elevated enclosure, a light, a lamp, a telephone, aclock, a decoration (e.g., a flower vase, a picture frame, etc.), atray, a pen/pencil holder, etc. In addition, the object 130 is placed ina desired position that allows for a substantially clear field of vision14 of the video capture device 12 with respect to at least a portion ofthe transaction point 130.

As illustrated in FIGS. 64-66, the object 132 is a penholder 136, whichwould be useful in situations where the transaction point 130 is ateller station or a desktop in an office environment or setting. As thepenholder 136 is easily moveable and manipulated, the video capturedevice 12 (and, in particular, the field of vision 14) could be easilychanged to view the transaction point 130. For example, such anarrangement would allow both an employee 140 and a customer 142 to berecorded. Of course, in such an arrangement, it would be beneficial tohave the communication between the video capture device 12 and theprocessing system 18 be wireless. Accordingly, the video capture device12 would not only be concealed within the object 132, e.g., thepenholder 136, but there would be no outside, visible signs that such adevice 12 is positioned within the object 130.

As illustrated in FIGS. 67 and 68, the object 132 is a nameplate 138,which, like the penholder 136, is positioned either at a teller stationor on a desktop in an office area. Also, as with the penholder 136embodiment, the nameplate 138 is easily moveable and can be positionedto maximize the effectiveness and clarity of the field of vision 14 ofthe video capture device 12. Wireless communication would also be usefulin connection with this embodiment. The embodiments of both FIGS. 67 and68 illustrate a nameplate 138 where the field of vision 14 of the videocapture device 12 is from the front surface 144 of the nameplate 138,such as in an area adjacent a name indicator portion 146, which isattached to or integrated with a front surface 144 of the nameplate 138.It is envisioned, however, that, in such an embodiment, the field ofvision 14 of the video capture device 12 is from a rear surface 148 ofthe nameplate 138, i.e., on the surface opposing the name indicatorportion 146 attached to or integrated with a front surface 144 of thenameplate 138.

As illustrated in FIGS. 69 and 70, the object 132 is a teller stationmarker 134, which, like the penholder 136 and nameplate 138, ispositioned at a teller station, such as on the counter or attached to awall near the teller station. Such an embodiment is particularly usefulwhen the transaction point 130 is the teller station or similar area.The embodiment of FIG. 69 demonstrates a teller station marker 134 (withintegrated video capture device 12) for use in attachment to a verticalor wall surface adjacent or near the transaction point 130, e.g., thewall adjacent the window of the teller station. Further, the embodimentof FIG. 70 illustrates a teller station marker 134 (with integratedvideo capture device 12) for use in positioning on a horizontal surface,e.g., a counter, at the transaction point 130, i.e., the teller station.As with the penholder 136 and nameplate 138 embodiments, the tellerstation marker 134 is easily moveable and can be positioned to maximizethe effectiveness and clarity of the field of vision 14 of the videocapture device 12. Wireless communication would be effective inconnection with this embodiment. Since such teller station markers 134are typically positioned with an indication (sign) portion 150 facingaway from the transaction point 130, the field of vision 14 of the videocapture device 12 is preferably from the front surface 152 of the tellerstation marker 134, such as in an area adjacent the indication portion150 attached to or integrated with the front surface 152 of the tellerstation marker 134.

The object 132 may include a transparent surface 154 (e.g., FIGS. 64-66and 68-70) or an opening 156 (e.g., FIG. 67), such that the videocapture device 12 is capable of capturing video data signals when thefield of vision 14 is directed through the transparent surface 154 oropening 156. The transparent surface 154 may be in the form of clearplastic, tinted plastic, clear glass, tinted glass, etc. Since theobject 132 is moveable (in many of the embodiments), the field of vision14 of the video capture device 12 is adjustable, moveable anduser-selectable. In this manner, the field of vision 14 of the videocapture device 12 may include or incorporate a variety of transactionpoints 130, e.g., a bank lane, at least a portion of a teller station,an employee, a teller, a desktop, an office area, a customer, aregister, a display area, etc., in a variety of locations, e.g., a bank,a financial institution, a casino, a teller station, a monetary exchangelocation, a retail store, an office environment, etc.

In this manner, the transaction recording system 10 provides manybenefits over the prior art. For example, the transaction recordingsystem 10 of the present invention provides optimal viewing angle of theintended subjects and transaction. The system 10 may include variousvideo capture device 12 or camera 20 locations, which will enable theviewer to see a much closer and less obstructed view of the transactionsand interactions occurring between the customer and employee.

Another advantage of the transaction recording system 10 of the presentinvention is the concealment of the video capture devices 12 or cameras20. By concealing the cameras 20, the customers 142 will not feeluncomfortable, such as they often feel when they are being “watched”.Next, if the customer 142 and/or the employee 140 knows where the camera20 is positioned, they can easily position themselves in a way that willprevent the camera from viewing its intended field of vision 14. Thetransaction recording system 10 of the present invention, andspecifically the concealed camera 20, overcomes this problem.

Further, the transaction recording system 10 provides optimal camera 20angle for viewing transactions and interactions and reduces the totalnumber of cameras 20 needed to record such transactions andinteractions. Still further, the transaction recording system 10requires less storage space and has a longer capture period, and alsoprovides higher resolution and requires fewer cables. Still further, thetransaction recording system 10 includes video capture devices 12 thathave smaller power consumption requirements and cost less. In addition,the POS processing system 18 of the transaction recording system 10allows for integration of the POS 100 data and the video signals anddata at the POS 100, which drastically reduces the amount of necessarycabling and the chance of cable failure. Still further, the use of asecured and remote central storage and processing system 26 allows forviewing of the integrated signal in a closely supervised location.

Although the invention has been described in detail for the purpose ofillustration based on what is currently considered to be the mostpractical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that suchdetail is solely for that purpose and that the invention is not limitedto the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to covermodifications and equivalent arrangements that are within the spirit andscope of the appended claims. For example, it is to be understood thatthe present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one ormore features of any embodiment can be combined with one or morefeatures of any other embodiment.

1. A transaction recording system for use in recording a transactionoccurring at a transaction point, the system comprising: a video capturedevice having a field of vision and configured to capture, produce andtransmit video data signals representative of the field of vision of thedevice, wherein the video capture device is at least partiallypositioned at least partially within an object located in a desiredposition with respect to the transaction point; and a processing systemconfigured to: (i) receive video data signals; (ii) process video datasignals; (iii) store video data signals; (iv) transmit video datasignals, or any combination thereof; wherein the field of vision of thevideo capture device views at least a portion of the transaction pointduring at least a portion of the transaction.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the processing system is configured to: (i) generate transactionpoint data; (ii) process transaction point data; (iii) receivetransaction point data, or any combination thereof.
 3. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the transaction point data is transaction time,transaction date, transaction location, transaction data, transactionpoint location, employee data, employer data, customer data, monetarydata, item data, identification data, teller data, employee/customerinteraction data, installation data or any combination thereof.
 4. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the processing system is configured tointegrate video data signals received from the video capture device andtransaction point data into an integrated data signal.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the integrated data signal is transmitted to a centralstorage and processing system in communication with the processingsystem.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the central storage andprocessing system is positioned in a secured location away from thetransaction point.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the video capturedevice is positioned adjacent, on, within or integrated with a tellerstation marker, an office item, a desk item, a penholder, a nameplate, aname-bearing object, a moveable object, a sign, a rack display, aregister, a dome, an elevated enclosure, a light, a lamp, a telephone, aclock, a decoration, a tray, a pen/pencil holder, or any combinationthereof.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the desired position of theobject allows for a substantially clear field of vision of the videocapture device with respect to at least a portion of the transactionpoint.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the object is a teller stationmarker, which is mounted on a surface adjacent the transaction point.10. The system of claim 9, wherein the teller station marker is attachedto an outer wall surface adjacent a teller window.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the object further comprises a transparent surface oropening, such that the video capture device is capable of capturingvideo data signals when the field of vision is directed through thetransparent surface or opening.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein thetransparent surface is clear plastic, tinted plastic, clear glass,tinted glass or any combination thereof.
 13. The system of claim 1,wherein the field of vision of the video capture device is preset,angled, moveable, user-selectable, or any combination thereof.
 14. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the video capture device is a camera, a videocamera, a digital camera, an analog camera, a miniature camera, apin-hole camera, a printed circuit board-controlled camera, a networkedcamera, a closed-circuit television camera, or any combination thereof.15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a power supply incommunication with the video capture device and configured to supplypower to the video capture device for operation.
 16. The system of claim1, wherein communication between the video capture device and theprocessing system is hardwired, coaxial cabling, network cabling, fiberoptic cabling, wireless, wireless network, or any combination thereof.17. The system of claim 1, wherein the field of vision of the videocapture device includes a bank lane, at least a portion of a tellerstation, an employee, a teller, a desktop, an office area, a customer, aregister, a display area, or any combination thereof.
 18. A transactionrecording system for use in recording a transaction occurring at atransaction point, the system comprising: a video capture device havinga field of vision and configured to capture, produce and transmit videodata signals representative of the field of vision of the device,wherein the video capture device is at least partially positioned atleast partially within an object located in a desired position withrespect to the transaction point; and a processing system configured to:(i) receive video data signals; (ii) process video data signals; (iii)store video data signals; (iv) transmit video data signals, or anycombination thereof; wherein the field of vision of the video capturedevice views at least a portion of the transaction point during at leasta portion of the transaction; wherein the object is a desktop item usedin an office setting.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the object isan office item, a desk item, a penholder, a nameplate, a name-bearingobject, a moveable object, a light, a lamp, a telephone, a clock, adecoration, a tray, a pen/pencil holder, or any combination thereof. 20.A transaction recording system for use in recording a transactionoccurring at a transaction point, the system comprising: a video capturedevice having a field of vision and configured to capture, produce andtransmit video data signals representative of the field of vision of thedevice, wherein the video capture device is at least partiallypositioned at least partially within an object located in a desiredposition with respect to the transaction point; and a processing systemconfigured to: (i) receive video data signals; (ii) process video datasignals; (iii) store video data signals; (iv) transmit video datasignals, or any combination thereof; wherein the field of vision of thevideo capture device views at least a portion of the transaction pointduring at least a portion of the transaction; wherein the object is ateller station marker, which is configured to be removably attachable toor rest upon a surface adjacent the transaction point.